Deaths among people experiencing homelessness in Scotland rose to 232 in 2025, up 38% from 168 the year before, an analysis by the Museum of Homelessness found.
In Edinburgh, the recorded total more than doubled from 23 to 56. Glasgow’s rose from 31 to 36, while deaths among homeless people on Scotland’s streets increased from four to 14.
The figures come amid a housing emergency declared by the Scottish Government two years earlier. Councils failed to meet their legal duty to provide shelter a record 21,800 times in the past year, with such breaches up 581% since 2017/18.
Housing campaigners have called on First Minister John Swinney to intervene. They say a court ruling that a lack of resources does not excuse councils from their duty to provide shelter should prompt action by local authorities.
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